All Ages

I think the fact that you do this is terrific. I myself am 31 and was diagnosed with breast cancer three weeks ago. I found the lump; I went to the radiologist who said it was nothing, and that if I knew my breasts better I would know it was normal for me. But I knew it was not normal as I had been doing exams since I was 23. My Mom had breast cancer ten years ago and is a survivor.

I went to my OB and demanded a mammogram. I saw a different radiologist who did a biopsy and then a pathologist confirmed it as cancer. I am a tenacious attorney who did not accept the first response I got. I am lucky so far. I am scheduled for a lumpectomy on Friday.

What amazes me is that when I tell my friends between 28-40 my story, they all say " I don't do exams." The responses have varied everywhere from "I don't fondle myself, " to " I am afraid I might find something so I don't do it." These are intelligent women who are not getting the point.

I feel like the first response I got from the surgeon and every response I have gotten since has been that I am too young to have breast cancer. The medical profession needs to wake up and realize IT HAPPENS. So when we, the 35-and-under crowd comes in and says something isn't right, don't just write us off because we are young. I am tenacious and very strong. The other women in my age group need to be the same. This is a life and death issue, and they need to realize how important self exam are because detection really is the first step. If I had waited until I was "old enough" to get a mammogram, it might have been too late.

Maybe Boarding for Breast Cancer could be nationwide. I live in Santa Fe, NM and we have a ski slope as well.

Just my thoughts,
Stacey Klein

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